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City reports 10.11% vacancy rate in AB2561 staffing update; police vacancies declining
Summary
Human Resources Director Britney Fry reported a citywide vacancy rate of 10.11% (19 of 188 budgeted full-time positions) in the AB2561 disclosure; police vacancy counts improved from last year and the city outlined recruitment incentives including referral bonuses and lateral-hire incentives.
At a June 11 public hearing, Human Resources Director Britney Fry presented the city's AB2561 report on vacancies, recruitment and retention. The presentation covered July 1, 2025 through May 26, 2026 data, showing 21 hires, four internal promotions and 18 separations in the period; 19 budgeted full-time positions were vacant, yielding a 10.11% citywide vacancy rate, down from about 12.5% the prior year.
Fry described recruitment activity: the city opened 37 recruitments and received 1,148 applications during the reporting window, 416 of which were for police roles and 179 specifically for police officer. The police officer classification now has five viable vacancies out of 44 authorized positions (about an 11% vacancy rate for that classification), an improvement from an 18% vacancy rate the previous year.
To address police recruitment and other staffing needs, the city has used referral bonuses, incentives for lateral hires, moving-expense reimbursements and expanded outreach; staff also maintain 20 active eligibility lists to speed hiring. Fry said eligibility lists are communicated to candidates and last a minimum of six months and can be extended up to two years.
Council members praised the HR and police hiring teams and asked follow-up questions about retention and notification; Fry said some attrition occurs during probation or prior to start dates but that overall retention is not atypical. The presentation was informational; no formal council action was required.
The city will continue monitoring vacancies by bargaining group and report back on recruitment efforts as needed.
Key figures reported: citywide vacancy rate 10.11% (19/188); 1,148 total applications received, 416 police-related applications, and five police officer vacancies of 44 positions.
